noun/verb/adjectivepl: arches
arco
1. a curved structure spanning an opening, typically made of stone or other material
The stone arch supported the weight of the bridge.
O arco de pedra suportava o peso da ponte.
2. the curved inner surface of the foot between the heel and the ball
She had fallen arches and needed orthopedic shoes.
Ela tinha arcos caídos e precisava de sapatos ortopédicos.
3. to form an arch or curve
The cat arched its back when it saw the dog.
O gato arqueou as costas quando viu o cão.
4. playfully teasing or mischievous (adjective)
He gave her an arch smile.
Ele lhe deu um sorriso travesso.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'arco' is the standard term for architectural arches and is used in historical contexts when discussing colonial buildings. In American English, 'arch' is also used metaphorically to describe someone's manner or demeanor (e.g., 'arch behavior'), which translates to 'comportamento travesso' or 'atitude marota' in Brazilian Portuguese. The arch of the foot is important in Brazilian culture due to the popularity of capoeira and other physical activities.
Related Idioms & Phrases
arch-enemy: arqui-inimigo (main or principal enemy)
arch one's eyebrows: arquear as sobrancelhas (raise eyebrows in surprise or skepticism)
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